Saturn Aura Hybrid Suspension Coil Spring Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for a Saturn Aura Hybrid Suspension Coil Spring Replacement is between $312 and $393. Labor costs are estimated between $167 and $245 while parts are priced between $145 and $148. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

What is a coil spring?

Coil springs allow the vehicle to absorb bumps, and keep the passenger comfortable. The coil springs hold the weight of the vehicle, and allow the wheels to travel vertically when the wheels encounter an obstacle.

How does the coil spring work?

The top of a coil spring is located underneath a spring perch, which is a fancy name for a very strong spot for the spring to hold the vehicle. The lower spring is rests on the lower control arm, which is part of the assembly that holds the wheels on. Since the vehicle is on the springs, and the control arm is under the spring, the spring is able to reduce the amount of discomfort to passengers when the vehicle hits debris or road imperfections

What are the symptoms related to a bad coil spring?

It is very evident if a spring breaks or wears out. Aside from one or more corners of the vehicle sagging lower than the rest, the handling characteristics of the vehicle will be completely wrong. The vehicle may even feel as though it teeters going down the road, or it may become extremely bouncy. When turning, the vehicle may roll very excessively, and drive wheels with bad springs will likely have traction issues at random. Rattling, extremely uncomfortable ride, and excessive tire wear may also signal that a spring needs replacement. On vehicles with advanced steering and suspension systems, the failed spring will illuminate traction and stability system lights, and possibly the anti-lock brake warning light as well.

Can I drive with a coil spring problem?

A vehicle with broken or worn coil springs can be driven, but the ride quality will be diminished, and, more importantly, the vehicle's handling will be compromised. A car's ability to remain level while turning, with traction spread between all four wheels, is dependent on the coil springs distributing weight. As the condition of the coil springs and shocks worsens, the ability of the suspension to perform properly, especially in an emergency situation, also worsens. Loss of control and vehicle rollover may be the result of severely worn, or broken coil springs. If a coil spring is broken (rather than worn), the vehicle should not be driven until the spring is replaced.

How often do coil springs need to be replaced?

Coil springs hardly ever fail under normal conditions, yet are extremely common to replace. Most vehicles will never have their springs replaced, and of the vehicles that do, customization , rather than failure, is the reasoning. When springs do fail, a collision, or severe suspension damage is to blame, or the weight limit of the vehicle has been exceeded. Another point of failure is the coil spring insulator, also known as the coil spring pad. This pad sits between the spring and the perch, and prevents contact. This wears out about every ten years, and is replaced by removing, refurbishing, and replacing the spring.

How are coil spring issues diagnosed?

Diagnosing a spring as faulty is simple is the spring is cracked, broken, or if the vehicle is leaning to one side, however, if the vehicle has excessive body roll, but the vehicle sits level, the ride height at all four wheels, the spring height on all four springs, and the tire pressure will all be recorded. This information will be compared to factory specifications, and diagnosis will recommend those outside of allowable tolerance to the specification be replaced. For rattles and squeaks, the pads will be diagnosed just by noting their appearance. If cracked, rotted, deteriorated, or heavily weathered, they will be recommended for replacement.

Suspension Coil Spring Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Suspension Coil Spring Replacement is between $312 and $393 but can vary from car to car.

How is a coil spring replaced?

When changing independent coil springs, the job is just as involved, and just as dangerous as changing coil springs on a strut. Except independent coil springs are more cumbersome, as the tension is released from the spring while it is still in the car, instead of on the wall, or the bench. Once the vehicle is raised, and the wheel, brake caliper, brake caliper mount, brake rotor, and any other obstacles are removed, a safety chain is placed through the coil spring, and lower control arm, ensuring the spring can not take flight if stress is relieved suddenly. The technician then places a jack underneath the control arm, partially removes the castle nut for the lower ball joint, separates the ball joint from the steering knuckle, and raises the control arm to compress the spring enough to finish removing the castle nut on the ball joint. At that point, the jack is lowered slowly, and the spring gradually loses tension until it is observably loose. Installation is the reverse of removal, and new coil spring insulators (pads) should be installed.

RepairPal Recommendations for coil spring issues

The original springs for any vehicle were designed specifically for that vehicle, and have many properties besides their weight capacity and physical dimensions. Replacing springs with different properties will dramatically alter the driving feel of the vehicle, and handling characteristics. Before changing springs, we recommend consulting a professional technician to ensure the proper springs are selected. Cutting or heating springs to alter the vehicle's ride height is never recommended, and will create unpredictable, often uncontrollable driving conditions. When springs are altered, the characteristics of each spring will vary, producing undesirable conditions.

What to look out for when dealing with coil spring issues

Coil springs integrated into struts can be replaced as part of the entire unit. There are many parts suppliers and manufacturers that offer pre-assembled struts including the coil spring. This method will lower the risk of replacing the strut or coil spring.

Can I replace the coil spring myself?

The coil springs can be replaced at home if the entire process, and all safety measures are understood. It is critical to understand coil springs are under tremendous tension, and releasing a compressed spring can result in injury, or death. If coil springs are not completely understood, as well as safety measures for disassembly, a professional technician should complete the repair.